2015-02-21

A northern Saskatchewan First Nation will now rely on its volunteer fire department to fight fires.

Buckland Fire and Rescue, a private firefighting firm located in Prince Albert, has terminated its services with Sturgeon Lake First Nation.

Fire Chief James Miller said Sturgeon Lake hasn’t paid its $8,000 fee from last year.

This is the first time that Buckland Fire has not been paid in 15 years of providing services, said Miller, but after the deadline passed services to the First Nation were ended.

It's not quite the same as the infamous Makwa case, though.

Without the services of Buckland Fire, the reserve will depend on its volunteer firefighters.

Sturgeon Lake has been connected with 9-1-1 services and established a schedule for the reserve’s 10 volunteer fire fighters, all of whom have been trained by the Saskatchewan Volunteer Fire Association, Ballantyne said.